Impact of Muscle Energy Technique with and without Strain Counter Strain Technique on Individuals with Non-specific Neck Pain- A Prospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Neck pain is common and two common treatments for non-specific neck discomfort are Strain Counter Strain (SCS) and Muscle Energy Technique (MET). The purpose of this study is to evaluate how well MET and SCS work to treat non-specific neck pain. Methods: Sixty-two participants with non-specific. Neck discomfort was branched into two groups (A and B). Group “A” received MET with the SCS approach, while Group “B” received MET alongside traditional Physiotherapy. Interventions were administered three times a week for two weeks. Outcome measures such as the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Range of Motion ( ROM) were assessed before and after each session and at the beginning and end of both weeks. Result: Pain, neck disability index and cervical range of motion all significantly improved in both groups. After the intervention, one week later and two weeks later, both groups’ flexion and extension range of motion showed statistically significant improvements. At the end of the first or second week, there were no appreciable changes in the right-side lateral flexion, right-side rotation or left-side lateral flexion. Nonetheless, following one or two weeks of intervention, left-side rotation demonstrated a notable improvement. Conclusion: MET combined with SCS demonstrated superiority in reducing pain, alleviating cervical impairment and enhancing range of. motion of the cervical spine.